Columbus Crew 31/20 to beat Chicago Fire in Fridays MLS matchup

Competition: MLS

Market: Columbus Crew win

Odds: 31/20 @ Bet 365

Looking to shore up their playoff position in the Eastern Conference, Gregg Berhalter’s Columbus side will travel to Toyota Park on Friday to face off against a Chicago side drastically out of form.

Starting with the hosts, even though The Reds have former Bayern Munich and World Cup-winning midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in their side, Chicago have been drastically short of form throughout the year and are the MLS’ least in form side. Coming off the back of a 2-1 loss to Montreal last week, Chicago have now lost their last six on the bounce and nine of their last 10. Now holding the second-worst defensive record in either of the conferences, The Fire also came crashing out of the US Open Cup thanks to a 3-0 loss to Philadelphia.

As for the visitors, although Columbus did hit a blip between May and June, Gregg Berhalter’s side have battled back and aside from a 3-1 loss to the high-flying Atlanta last time out, The Crew had one their previous three matches on the bounce. Now sat fourth in the table and still with a spot in the playoffs in their own hands, one man to watch for the visitors will be top scorer Gyasi Zardes. The former LA Galaxy striker has 15 for the season and sits third in the MLS goalscoring charts. Given the gulf in form between the two sides, we’re backing Columbus to come away with the three points on Friday.

Bet: Columbus Crew to beat Chicago Fire in Fridays MLS matchup 31/20 @ Bet 365